Toronto 
Here is the “to-do” list of activities in Toronto and GTA this winter, including winter activities, festivals, exhibitions, sports and related activities, concerts, and live theatre.
Credit: Ontario Place
Here is the “to-do” list of activities in Toronto and GTA this winter, including winter activities, festivals, exhibitions, sports and related activities, concerts, and live theatre.
I. Outdoor Winter Activities
- Illumination Walks in GTA:
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- Fire and Stars Torch-Lit Hikes: Experience winter after dark at Sibbald Point Provincial Park with guided Fire and Stars torch-lit hikes. Explore the 2-kilometre Maidenhair Fern Trail while interpreters share insights along the route. Evening hikes begin at 7 p.m. and last up to 90 minutes.
- Winterlit: Go on a magical stroll through snowy, wooded trails at Mounstberg Conservation Area. The event features two 1-kilometre illuminated trails, the Illuminated Sugar Bush and the Winterlit Trail, showcasing art installations crafted from sustainably sourced materials.
- Ignite the Night: Discover the magic of Ignite the Night at Terra Cotta Conservation Area! Stroll a glowing 2-kilometre winter trail on Saturday nights, where dazzling lights transform the forest into a wonderland. Self-guided interpretive signs invite you to connect with nature and learn about trees in a whole new way. A sparkling adventure awaits under the stars!
Credit: Credit Valley Conservation
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- Winter Swim in Lake Ontario: Brave the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario with a swim!
- Outdoor Skating: Lace up and hit an outdoor ice rink: Experience the joy of skating at Toronto and GTA’s skating trails and rinks. Glide under the stars at a historic airplane hangar, discover the magic of the trail beneath the Gardiner, or soak in waterfront views at Harbourfront Centre’s rink. Can you brave the polar bear skate at the Bentway?
- DJ Skate Nights: Gather your friends and family for DJ Skate Nights, where the rink becomes a magical dance floor! Groove to vibrant beats at Harbourfront Centre or at YZD, the former Downsview Airport lands. It’s a lively, all-ages skating party you won’t want to miss!
- Winter Wagon Rides: Embrace winter fun at Mountsberg Conservation Area! Enjoy a magical horse-drawn wagon ride through snowy trails, meet friendly farm animals and majestic birds of prey, and explore the cozy barn and gift shop.
- Tobogganing & Snow Tubing: When snow is on the ground, dig out your magic carpet, flying saucer or the old-school wooden toboggan and hit the tobogganing hill nearby and enjoy a ride down. Want a bit more excitement? Go snow tubing.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: If skiing and snowboarding are more your style, there are ten ski areas around GTA.
- Cross-country skiing: Hit the trails for cross-country skiing — a great way to stay active this winter while enjoying the outdoors. Albion Hills Conservation Area of Caledon provides 26 kilometres of groomed and track-set trails suited to beginner, intermediate and expert-level skiers. Halton Conservation areas of Crawford Lake (Milton), Hilton Falls, and Mountsberg offer cross-country ski trails through woods and fields.
- Winter Walks: Discover Toronto’s National Park this winter. Join in on a guided walk to discover nature and winter wildlife with Parks Canada. Visit Tommy Thompson Park to learn about Toronto’s urban wildlife up to this time of year during the Family Nature Walk. Visit your nearest conservation area for a walk in the woods or to spot winter wildlife. You can also join guided snowshoeing tours at Crawford Lake Conservation Area.
- Fat Biking: If you want to burn all that fat accumulated during the holidays, try Fat biking! Explore Don Valley trails. Fat Biking is also allowed at Black Trail at Albion Hills Conservation Area.
- Snowladen/Frozen Waterfalls: Go on a day trip to see frozen waterfalls near Toronto.
II. Festivals During Winter
Winterlicious
There’s so much going on in Toronto every weekend, and the winter season is no exception!
This winter welcomes a new festival, Winterista, which, according to the organizers, features massive ice sculptures, live carving, a giant ice slide, a radiant ice throne, a fully immersive projection-mapping room, warm lounge nights, and an illuminated Ice Bar.
- Food & Spirit Fests:
- Savour the flavours of winter with dining festivals! Winterlicious in Toronto features over 200 restaurants and unique culinary events. Taste of Oakville showcases multi-course menus at 30+ spots, while Taste of Georgina offers a prix fixe adventure of local delights, and Burlington joins the feast with multiple options.
- Sip and learn at the Toronto Tea Festival, or indulge in sweet delights at the Winter Chocolate Show and Sweet City Fest.
- Bundle up and head to the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival for Ontario’s best brews, snowy fun, and Canuck vibes. Then, spice things up at the I❤︎Beer Festival Toronto with tacos, beer, cider, spirits, games, dancing, and arcade classics. Two exciting festivals, endless winter memories, and plenty of cheer!
- Music Festivals: Celebrate U of T’s musical talent at the Hart House Festival of Music and explore new compositions at the New Music Festival. Enjoy diverse genres at the Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival and discover underground gems at the Wavelength Music Festival + Conference.
- Cultural Fests: Ring in the Lunar New Year in Toronto Chinatown with interactive games and shows. Honour Black Futures at Kuumba Festival‘s 31st anniversary, showcasing vibrant artistry in music, dance, theatre, and more.
- Celebrate Toronto: Celebrate Toronto’s 192nd Anniversary on March 7 at Nathan Phillips Square! Enjoy live music, shop local at the Toronto Made Market, savour diverse eats, skate on the iconic rink, and explore interactive art. End the night with a dazzling fireworks show at 9 PM!
- Maple Syrup Festivals: Welcome spring with a plethora of activities and festivals celebrating the golden liquid.
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group at Nathan Phillips Square. Inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals, ... Read More
Meet local tea vendors and uncover a world of delicious blends and unique tea products! Explore exciting flavours, chat with passionate sellers, and discover your next favourite tea to take ... Read More
This festival offers a celebratory performance opportunity for University of Toronto music groups and individuals to showcase their talents on Hart House Theatre’s historic stage. With an abundance of music groups ... Read More
Every year, hundreds gather for Jamaica in January because it feels like home (whether you were born on the island, visited, or simply love the culture). The food, the music, ... Read More
spindle collective, with the generous support of Eldritch Theatre, is proud to present: ‘Dead of Winter: The First Toronto Horror Theatre Festival’! Featuring 6 original horror-plays by different local artists, ... Read More
Winterista turns Motorista Studio into a shimmering winter world — featuring massive ice sculptures, live carving, a giant ice slide, a radiant ice throne, a fully immersive projection-mapping room, ... Read More
Celebrate art and design online and in-person at venues across Toronto. DesignTO Festival isn’t just about events, it’s about making real change. Celebrating 15 years of impact, DesignTO brings people ... Read More
An international festival of contemporary music presented annually by the University of Toronto Faculty. Join us for 10 days of concerts, workshops and master classes as we celebrate new music ... Read More
APIK is a FREE urban winter event in the heart of Celebration Square. Ski and snowboard competitions, snowskate demos and lessons, DJ sets, afterparty… The mountain spirit comes to the ... Read More
Toronto's winter culinary celebration offers the perfect opportunity to discover delicious cuisine at more than 200 restaurants and experience unique culinary events. Produced by the City of Toronto. The Licious ... Read More
Join us for an unforgettable day or night session featuring craft beer, cider, and spirits sampling, beer hall style seating area and a massive silent disco powered by three incredible local DJs. Get ... Read More
The Toronto Tea Festival has gathered world-renowned tea sommeliers, published authors, historical fashion experts, musicians and vendors who are keen to steep the enquiring, novice and aficionado in tea lore ... Read More
Ignite your winter weekend at the Alton Mill’s annual Fire & Ice Festival presented by TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley— a high-energy winter celebration packed with live outdoor fire performances, ... Read More
Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA Festival, presented by TD Bank Group through the Bank’s Corporate Citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival. This year, ... Read More
Welcome to Rhubarb! 47. Rhubarb! is Buddies at its rawest: a hotbed of unruly creatives queering what it means to make and experience art. Canada’s longest-running genre-bending Live Art festival ... Read More
Join us for SnoFest, Georgina’s annual winter festival, a free family festival filled with snow games, live shows, an epic igloo dance party and delicious food. It’s the ultimate way ... Read More
The Winter Chocolate Show is a show and sale that will bring chocolate lovers and chocolate makers. Indulge in a delightful celebration of all things chocolate. Meet the Makers from ... Read More
The Richmond Hill Winter Carnival is a weekend of affordable fun and entertainment organized by volunteers to celebrate the community of Richmond Hill in a welcoming atmosphere. Who is it ... Read More
Join for exciting entertainment and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy as Vaughan celebrates its annual Winterfest ... Read More
Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the very best in cinematic work dealing with the varied experiences of black people from diverse ... Read More
Winterfolk is an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event, where you’ll find the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music, emulating a multi-stage rural summer festival. Featuring over ... Read More
A Celebration of All Things Sweet! Ready for the ultimate celebration of all things sweet? Sweet City Fest is taking over STACKT market for 4 days of love, fun, and ... Read More
Enjoy a full lineup of exciting activities for all ages, including skating, storytelling and crafts, science experiments and film screenings. Family performances celebrating heritage and courage through music and interactive ... Read More
The Toronto Spring Festival is a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, showcasing traditional customs alongside modern festivities. It aims to foster inclusivity and cultural exchange in the heart of Toronto ... Read More
Get ready for another Kids Fest TO, taking over the International Centre this Family Day Weekend! Three days of non-stop fun with over thirty themed inflatables, jumping castles, interactive games, ... Read More
Join us at Chào, Tết TO, for an unforgettable celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The entire first floor, second floor, and mezzanine will be transformed into a lively ... Read More
Taste of Georgina is a prix fixe food series that will awaken your taste buds and allow you to explore a variety of local restaurants ... Read More
The 14th annual Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) proudly presents the 9th edition of the TBFF Family Day Festival. Join us in inspiring and empowering children through the exploration of ... Read More
Oakville’s favourite food festival, Taste of Oakville, will feature over fifty incredible restaurants from across Oakville and will showcase an array of mouth-watering dishes via multi-course prix fixe lunch and ... Read More
Downtown Milton is home to an incredible mix of locally owned restaurants, from international flavours to beloved local favourites. Taste of Downtown Milton invites you to explore these culinary gems ... Read More
Come enjoy the Animated Short Film Package, Live Action Short Film Package, and/or Documentary Short Film Package. You pick your schedule, binge the short films in a day, or spread ... Read More
Fire & Ice returns to GreekTown on the Danforth BIA for a spectacular winter weekend. From live ice carving competitions and demonstrations by Ice Boy to glowing performances by Hoop ... Read More
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at LunarFest through a two-day free event featuring local Asian Canadian musicians and family storytelling activities! Inspired by the theme Brave the Wind and the ... Read More
We're baaack! Join us on Saturday February 21st 2026 for the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Fest. What to expect: ❄️ 40+ Ontario craft beverage vendors ❄️ Expanded drink options (craft ... Read More
To welcome the Year of the Snake, Toronto Chinatown BIA will spearhead the celebrations with a lineup of interactive games and performances to showcase the rich heritage of Asian traditions ... Read More
Welcome the coming of spring! Learn how maple syrup is made, try a tasting flight of different grades and types of syrup, go on horse wagon rides, enjoy fresh, hot ... Read More
Get ready to warm up your winter! The Aurora Winter Blues Festival is back with four nights of toe-tapping, soul-shaking, heart-thumping music. Presented by the Aurora Cultural Centre, AWBF is ... Read More
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is one of the most fun live comedy events in Toronto, taking over the city every March with hilarious shows, big laughs, and late-night energy ... Read More
CreativeHub 1352 presents the fifth edition of the InSitu Multi-Arts Festival, transforming the historic Small Arms Inspection Building into an immersive “living storyscape.” Now in its fifth edition, InSitu invites ... Read More
A two day, rain or shine celebration of art and culture on Geary Avenue from Ossington to west of Dufferin. Watch the neighbourhood come alive with music, visual art installations, ... Read More
Celebrate the city we love as Celebrate Toronto takes over Nathan Phillips Square for Toronto’s 192nd birthday with an unforgettable festival in the heart of downtown. Explore 120+ local vendors ... Read More
The Shack is back! Sugar Shack TO returns March 14-15 for more March Break Maple Madness. Toronto’s urban cabane à sucre experience is coming to Harbourfront Centre for the first ... Read More
Puppet Festival Mississauga is a seven day puppetry festivalis filled with exciting shows engaging workshops and an informative exhibition that discover the art of puppetry from its origin to its ... Read More
Join us for the biggest St Patrick's Day parade to hit the streets of Toronto. It is an amazing afternoon filled with music, dance, floats and fun! Everyone is welcome ... Read More
Celebrate the official start of spring with Spring Equinox, a week-long festival at STACKT market taking place over March Break. Rooted in themes of renewal, balance, and new beginnings, the ... Read More
Since 2015, the Toronto Short Film Festival has showcased hundreds of short filmmakers to sold-out Toronto cinema audiences. We'll be back at the Paradise cinema in 2026 for another amazing ... Read More
In 2026, Wavelength’s winter festivities slide back into spring. This year, we’ll be adding some a conversation program to our weekend slate of curated concerts. Don’t miss the Wavelength Music Conference, a two day ... Read More
Everyone is a fan of something, and Toronto Comicon 25 is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favourite Guest, then ... Read More
We’re excited announce that the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival returns to Toronto on March 21st and 22nd! Ignite your passion for adventure, action, and travel! The Banff Centre Mountain ... Read More
III. Illumination Shows, Outdoor Art Shows, Exhibitions & Expos
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- DesignTO Festival: The 10-day event features 100+ free events and exhibitions, both online and in-person, across Toronto.
- Winter Stations: Enjoy temporary public art installations at the Beaches, exhibited to celebrate Toronto’s winter waterfront landscape.
- Winter Exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Ontario: Visit the premier museum to see exhibitions like Kazuo Nakamura: Blue Dimension, Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, and Edna Taçon: Verve and Decorum.
- Explore the Royal Ontario Museum: See stunning wildlife photographs at the Royal Ontario Museum. Each year, aspiring photographers of all ages and skill levels submit tens of thousands of images in the annual international Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Organized by the Natural History Museum in London, UK, almost one hundred remarkable images from this year’s competition — the best of the best — will be on view at ROM.
- Interior Design Show Toronto: Explore the compelling concepts, innovative products, upcoming talent and key experts at the Interior Design Show Toronto.
- Canadian International AutoShow: Explore all things automotive, boasting more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles at the Canadian International AutoShow at the MTCC.
- Toronto International Boat Show: North America’s largest indoor boat show docks at the Enercare Centre with an impressive array of 1,200 new boats on display, educational seminars, and lifestyle programming.
- Toronto ComicCon: Meet your favourite superhero at Toronto ComicCon at Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
- Lumière: Welcome Spring with this free light exhibition that allows visitors to explore the park and experience art developed by Ontario artists. Utilizing innovation, light and discovery, Lumière encourages Ontario artists and creators to “illuminate” the park, celebrating the change of seasons from winter to spring.
IV. Live Concerts During the Winter
Enjoy free concerts by the Canadian Opera Company, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Shrek 2 with live orchestral accompaniment, concerts by Exclaim Magazine’s Class Of 2026 and tours including Halsey: Back To Badlands, Blue Rodeo, GHOST: Skeletour World Tour, GHOST: Skeletour World Tour, Eric Church: Free The Machine Tour, Charley Crockett, High Valley – Paradise & Hurricanes Tour and more this winter.
10 Upcoming Concerts
Upcoming Concert Tours in Toronto
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V. Live Theatre During Winter
Enjoy Rigoletto and The Barber of Seville by the Canadian Opera Company, Broadway musicals like We Will Rock You, & Juliet, and Mrs. Doubtfire, the mesmerizing, immersive retelling of the Medusa myth, OPHIS by Transcent, and many more!
10 Upcoming Live Theatre Shows
Performing Arts in Toronto & GTA
The Wedding Party: A Dinner Theatre Escape Room
Now serving a delicious all-you-can-eat-buffet! Upon arrival, guests will be enchanted by Old Mill’s historic English Tudor architecture. Sipping cocktails ... Read More
VI. Spectator Sports
Cheer on Toronto’s sports teams. Cheer the Toronto Maple Leafs at their outdoor practice day at Nathan Phillips Square.
- Ice Hockey: Toronto Sceptres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies, Mississauga Steelheads
- Lacrosse: Toronto Rock
- Basketball: Toronto Raptors, Raptors 905
V. Winter Getaways & Winter in Ontario
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Thank you! Corrected!